Friday, February 14, 2025

European Union impressed by Botswana conduct

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Balopi, recently suggested an organized workshop to educate Members of Parliament about the various areas of co-operation between the European Union (EU) and Botswana.

This statement followed the official handing over of EU copies on the 2007 joint Annual report and country strategy paper and national indicative paper to Balopi by the European Commission recently.

The EU recognizes and commends Botswana’s strong leadership in the on-going negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement.
 
Balopi said the papers were important in informing the legislature of what is happening with their foreign relations.

He also said that the documents, which are now under his care, would ensure that important decisions entered into by the executive would be known and be accessible to the members of the legislature.

The documented copies provided a peaceful and good overview of the proceedings after extensive research and observation of the co-operation procedures between the EU and the government of Botswana.

Head of the delegation and ambassador of the European Commission to Botswana, Ambassador Paul Malin, said that it was important that the role of a parliament within a country be strengthened and, he said, looking at Botswana’s political stability gives them a good┬á impression of the country’s values and virtues when dealing with other countries
 
The 2007 Joint Annual Report reflects the development cooperation between the Government of Botswana and the European Union in 2007 and before.

┬áThe Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme was signed by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lt Gen Mompati Merafhe, who is now the country’s vice president in December 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal .

The programme provides an environment for topical issues such as the free movement of people within SADC, a job to be comprehended by legislators (MPs).

 It covers the period of 2008-2013 and sets out the planned cooperation activities between the Government of Botswana and the European Union.
A total of Ôé¼ 77.3 million, equivalent to about

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